Hi Bill,
Amen!!!! Your personal policy regarding upgrades is mine also. First, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Second, if Technics does not care enough to post upgrades on their official site, don't upgrade. My KN6000 has been running beautifully for three years without the benefit of an upgrade. I've never experienced any glitches or failures. If I buy a KN7000 (or maybe an 8000?), I will play it as received and never upgrade unless problems surface for which an official Technics upgrade is available as a factory-authorized fix specifically addressing the problem I have. Which brings us full circle to the original policy of: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I know your background in electronics, and I have ample evidence in the form of your music which tells me you have put your KN7000 through its paces from one end to the other. That kind of expertise has to be respected.
Also Bill, thanks for your input regarding Track Merge.
Chuck